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The Brooklyn Nets are all about versatility. Small forwards can be centers, and point guards can be small forwards. This summer, the Nets will try to look for players that fit the versatile mold – with upside as well. At the small forward spot, the Nets could target a player with enough versatility to defend multiple positions and the ability to knock down the three ball.
This past season, DeMarre Carroll was the Nets’ go-to small forward, starting 73 games. The veteran forward had a solid season, averaging 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while providing solid leadership for the Nets. But Carroll is heading into the final year of his contract, and could be trade bait for a team looking for a reliable, battle-tested forward. So the Nets could look to the free agent market (and the draft) for a player to fill the 3-spot not just for 2018-2019, but for the future as well.
Allen Crabbe and Caris LeVert played some minutes at the small forward spot in spurts, but they seem to be better fit for guard slots. In the NBA Draft, there are several players slotted around the Nets’ number 29 pick that could potentially be small forwards of the future. Chandler Hutchinson, Keita Bates-Diop, Dzanan Musa, and Melvin Frazier are a few that come to mind. But the draft is still a mystery, and the Nets could still add a small forward even if they fill their need in the draft.
Here are ten small forwards the Nets could target this summer in free agency!
